WHAT’S THE PLAN?

A community of new homes and green open spaces West of Rayleigh

Countryside submits planning application for first phase of new homes West of Rayleigh

22 June 2017

Leading developer of sustainable communities, Countryside, has submitted detailed plans and designs for the first 192 new homes on land north of London Road and south of Rawreth Lane in Rayleigh, Essex to Rochford District Council.

In 2016, Rochford District Council approved outline plans for 500 new homes across the whole site, which has been allocated for development in the Council’s adopted Site Allocations Plan.

The ‘reserved matters’ planning application sets out plans for the first phase of new homes to be built in the northern part of the site (off Rawreth Lane). It has been submitted alongside plans for 8.7 hectares (21.5 acres) of landscaped, green open space around the homes.

Andrew Carrington, Managing Director of Strategic Land at Countryside, said, “We are delighted to have submitted our first detailed plans for new homes on the site. Phase one will start to make a good contribution to housing needs in the district and we’ve already received interest from potential new residents. We are proud of the plans we have developed, which focus on creating a sense of place and community within an attractive landscape.”

There will be a variety of housing to cater for local needs, from smaller homes for first time buyers, to larger homes for families. 68 will be affordable housing, for rent or purchase through the Council or a local housing association. Affordable housing can help young people to get a foot on the property ladder, or can help families put down roots in their local area. The homes will also be available under the government’s Help To Buy Scheme.

Anyone interested in one of the new homes is invited to register on the project website.

The design is landscape focused, aiming to create peaceful and appealing residential areas that attract wildlife, encouraging biodiversity. A number of communal open spaces, including a central green with play space and the large western parkland area, will be linked by a network of foot and cycle paths.

A decision is anticipated later this year and should planning permission be granted, construction of the new homes could begin in 2018, with the first new residents potentially moving in during 2019.